Hug a Tree…Really!

Spending 30 minutes a week in nature reduces high blood pressure, according to a new study by researchers at the University of Queensland in Australia. The study suggests that people who visit outdoor green spaces for 30 minutes or more each week had lower blood pressure rates as well as lower rates of depression. The researchers suggest that if every city dweller in Australia followed this regimen, there would be 7% fewer cases of depression and 9% fewer cases of high blood pressure. How’s that for a public health benefit, courtesy of Mother Nature! And the lesson for each one of us is to get outside, find some grass and trees – and spend some quality time with them.